Gray a ‘different runner’; Johnson emerging as starting QB

COLLEGE STATION — In a camp that’s occasionally clear as mud at a couple of positions, at least one thing is crystal clear with Texas A&M about two weeks from kickoff:

The Aggies’ running game is in strong hands with sophomore Cyrus Gray (right), freshman Christine Michael and sophomore Bradley Stephens. Aggies coach Mike Sherman said Thursday that the Aggies “danced around way too much last year.” That’s not the case this camp — at least according to the coach.

“Cyrus is a totally different runner this year than he was last year,” Sherman said after practice. “He was a little hesitant last year, and maybe didn’t read the holes quite as well. This year he has not made a bad read or a bad cut when he touches the football.

“I keep waiting for that bad read so I can coach him, but I haven’t been able to say anything to him.”

As for Michael, he continues opening eyes as the Aggies’ first five-star recruit since Martellus Bennett, and tallied a 90-yard touchdown run during Thursday’s practice.

“He’s very explosive, has great balance and is very difficult to tackle,” Sherman said. “He’s a tough, physical runner, and that’s been proven every day we come out here.”

Stephens, too, continues making his case as an elusive, occasionally bruising runner who should earn his share of carries this season.

nutznBolZ: Jerrod Johnson is earning the majority of snaps as first-string quarterback over Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill has said he’d like to play receiver — as he did last year — if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback gig. … Danny Baker has worked at offensive left tackle while Lee Grimes and Lucas Patterson have worked at right tackle. Patterson started camp at left tackle after moving over from the defensive line.

 Tentative times for practice, open to A&M students, staff and former students, the rest of camp: